ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Govt asks distilleries / sugar mills to maximize manufacture of hand sanitizers
100 distilleries and more than 500 manufacturers permitted to produce hand sanitizers
Central and State Governments are taking all steps to ensure supply of essential items during the lockdown to combat the novel Corona virus. In order to prevent spread of corona virus, hand sanitizers are used by public, health workers, hospitals etc. Demand of sanitizers is increasing day by day and in order to maintain demand and supply balance, State Government authorities including Excise Commissioners, Cane Commissioners, Drug Controllers as well as District Collectors of various states have been advised to remove any bottlenecks in supply of ethanol/ENA to manufacturers of hand sanitizers and to give permissions /licenses to the applicants including distilleries who intend to manufacture hand sanitizers. Distilleries/ Sugar mills which can produce hand sanitizers in bulk have also been motivated to manufacture hand sanitizers. These manufacturers have also been asked to work in three shifts to maximize their output.
About 45 distilleries and 564 other manufacturers have been granted permission to produce hand sanitizers; more than 55 distilleries are likely to be given permission in one or two days; and many more are being motivated to produce sanitizers in this scenario. Most of them have commenced production and others are likely to commence production in a week’s time; thus there will be sufficient supply of hand sanitizers for the consumers and hospitals.
In order to ensure that hand sanitizers are made available to general public and hospitals at a reasonable price, Government has also fixed the Maximum Retail Price of sanitizers. The retail prices of hand sanitizers shall not be more than Rs 100 per bottle of 200ml; the prices of other quantities of hand sanitizers shall be fixed in the proportion of these prices.
Competition Commission of India
CCI Issues Cease And Desist Order Against Chemists Associations For Indulging In Anti-Competitive Practices
The Competition Commission of India  issued an order on 23.08.2023 against district and tehsil level chemists associations in Sriganganagar district, Rajasthan  which were found to have contravened the provisions of Section 3 read with Section 3 of the Competition Act, 2002 .
The case was initiated on the basis of information filed by Solar Life Sciences Medicare Private Ltd. . It was alleged that chemists associations had indulged in anti-competitive practices by collectively boycotting the pharmaceutical products of Solar. The modus operandi of the OPs, inter alia, was to collectively decide and suggest margins and incentive schemes for the manufacturers/suppliers of pharmaceutical products. In the event of failure to offer such margins and incentive schemes to the chemists, the products of Solar were boycotted.
Based on the evidence on record as well as depositions of the Presidents of these associations, the CCI found OPs to be in contravention of provisions of Section 3 and Section 3 read with Section 3 of the Act. The CCI also found the Presidents of these associations liable under Section 48 of the Act.
After considering the mitigating factors, the CCI decided not to impose any monetary penalty. The CCI directed the associations through their respective Presidents to ensure compliance to the provisions of the Act by their respective members.
A copy of the order in Case No. 20 of 2020 is available on the CCI website at www.cci.gov.in.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves signing of Project Collaboration Agreement between the Department of Health Research  and the World Health Organization  on Assistive Technology
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, was apprised of signing of Project Collaboration Agreement between the Department of Health Research  and the World Health Organization  for promoting access to high quality affordable assistive technology mainly through fostering research, innovation, and capacity building.
The Project Collaboration Agreement  was signed on 10.10.2022 by WHO and on 18.10.2022 by Department of Health Research .
This collaboration aims to work towards drawing global attention toward access to assistive technology, fostering research and innovation and developing and disseminating appropriate training programmes.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Opening of Wellness Centres under Ayushman Bharat Yojana
Under Ayushman Bharat – Health & Wellness Centres , 1.5 lakh Sub Health Centres and Primary Health Centres are to be transformed into Health and Wellness Centres across the country for provision of Comprehensive Primary Health Care  that includes preventive healthcare and health promotion at the community level with continuum of care approach by December, 2022. The roll out plan of AB - HWCs is given as below:
- FY 2018-19 = 15,000
- FY 2019-20 = 25,000 
- FY 2020-21 = 30,000 
- FY 2021-2022 = 40,000 
- Till 31st December 2022 = 40,000 
Against the target of 40,000 AB-HWCs by FY 2019-20, approvals for more than 62,000 AB-HWCs have been given to States/UTs and as per AB-HWC portal, 29214 AB-HWC are functional as on 30.01.2020.
States/UTs have been oriented by conducting four regional workshops in the year 2019 on Operationalization of AB-HWCs. Further, regular meetings and Video Conferences are being conducted to review the implementation of AB-HWCs.
Under National Health Mission, technical and financial support is provided to the States to strengthen their primary healthcare system including for transformation of healthcare facilities to AB-HWCs viz, support for engaging required Human Resources, multiskilling and capacity building of the existing primary healthcare workers, expanded range of medicines and diagnostics, upgraded infrastructure, digitization in terms of availability of tablets/desktops, use of telemedicine/ information technology platforms, inclusion of health promotion activities, community mobilization and additional financial resources as per the norms prescribed in the Operational Guidelines on Ayushman Bharat – Comprehensive Primary Health Care through Health and Wellness Centres.
The Minister of State , Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Conservation, Protection and Management of Forests
Forest Survey of India , Dehradun, an organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, carries out assessment of forest cover of the country biennially and publishes the findings in the India State of Forest Report . The assessment is based on remote sensing supported by intensive ground verification. As per ISFR-2021, there is an overall increase of 1540 square kilometre in the forest cover at the national level as compared to the previous assessment i.e. ISFR-2019.
The National Forest Policy, 1988 is the main policy document containing guiding principles for conservation, protection and management of forests in the country. The principal aim of the National Forest Policy, 1988 is to ensure environmental stability and maintenance of ecological balance including atmospheric equilibrium which are vital for sustenance of all life forms.
The National Forest Policy,1988 provides a strategy on “Tribal People and Forests” which acknowledges the symbiotic relationship between the tribal people and forests. The policy mentions that while safeguarding the rights and interests of tribal people, forestry programmes should pay special attention to the protection, regeneration and optimum collection of minor forest produce along with institutional arrangements for the marketing of such produce. Hence the existing Forest Policy takes care of the rights of indigenous people dwelling in the forest area along with protection of the forest.
This information was given by Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Around 40,000 women trained all over India under Nai Roshni Scheme
The Minister of Minority Affairs, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today informed that during the last three years, i.e., 2019-20 to 2021-22, around 40,000 women have been trained all over India including 175 in Bihar. The community-wise breakup of trained women for the last three years in the State of Bihar is as under : Muslims -175, Christians -0 Sikhs -0 Buddhist -0, Jains -0 and Non Minority -0.
The agencies approved by the Ministry select the women belonging to all minorities notified under Section 2 of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 viz, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Zoroastrian  and Jain. Beneficiaries having annual income, not exceeding Rs.2.50 lakh from all sources, are given preference in selection for training under the scheme. The agencies also take the assistance of the head of Gram Panchayat / Municipal Body / Local Authority for identification / selection of women trainees.
- training centres are set up by the Ministry under this scheme. The selected agencies are required to implement the projects directly through their organizational set-up in the locality/ village/ area in which training is conducted. In the State of Bihar, the agencies have implemented the scheme in Bhojpur district during the last three years. The eligibility criteria for selection of organization/agency under the said scheme is available on <http://nairoshni-moma.gov.in.>
Nai Roshni scheme has now been merged as a component of Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan  scheme w.e.f FY 2022-23, aiming to improve livelihoods of minorities, particularly artisan communities, through skill development, education and leadership training, to support their entrepreneurship interventions.
Ministry of Home Affairs
NDMA reviews preparedness of States to deal with thunderstorms and lightning
The National Disaster Management Authority  reviewed the situation in the wake of the thunderstorms, lightning and squall that recently hit various parts of the country, for better early warning and preparedness.
In a video conference held with various stakeholders yesterday, the Authority enquired about the timeliness and adequacy of early warning messages issued by the India Meteorological Department . States expressed satisfaction over the accuracy of these messages and informed that the timely warning enabled them to put preparedness measures in place, and save many lives.
Assessing the damage and destruction caused by the recent incidents, the meeting also discussed ways to reduce the impact of such events in future. NDMA also asked the States to share a report on the relief measures taken by them.
IMD now shares localised and specific warnings with the States, which are widely disseminated using various modes of communication such as mass SMSes, radio, Television and social media. Some State governments have been able to send out these warnings right up to the Panchayat levels by leveraging the mobile numbers available in voter databases.
Simple Do's and Don'ts for thunderstorms and lightning are also widely circulated. NDMA has also shared short audio-video awareness generation material with States. These Do's and Don'ts as well as the videos have been translated by the States into their local languages and are being used for creating greater public awareness.
Representatives of Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Jharkhand, Tripura, Chandigarh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Delhi and West Bengal attended the meeting.
Relief Commissioners of Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal, - the states which reported the maximum damage during the lightning strikes and thunderstorms on Sunday, 13th May participated in the meeting through videoconferencing.
Representatives from Ministry of Home Affairs , National Disaster Response Force , IMD, Central Water Commission  and Doordarshan were also present.
This is the third meeting conducted by NDMA for management of thunderstorms, lightning and squall. Earlier, two meetings were held on May 11, 2018 and May 4, 2018, which has resulted in improvement of early warning and preparedness measures.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting organized a cultural programme as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav at Vanjipur,Hooghly in West Bengal
Kolkata, 28th August, 2021
Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is organizing a gamut of activities to celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav till 29th August, 2021, under its Iconic Week celebrations. The week started from 23rd August. One of the key aspects of the synergistic celebration is 360 degree outreach through traditional means such as cultural programmes, quiz competition as well as innovative means of digital/social media. The Field Outreach Bureau, Chinsurah organized a programme at Bhanjipur Samabay samity auditorium, Bhanjipur village of Hooghly’s Tarakeswar in West Bengal on Friday.
There was a discussion on the Freedom Movement of India. The speakers explained that both the Gandhian and revolutionary movements had their own path of fighting against colonialism. The Gandhian movement, based on non-violence, expanded with the help of violent resistance and the indoctrination of the masses by the nationalist grassroots. During the discussion all the speakers paid a tribute to martyrs who gave their valuable life for the nation's freedom.
A cultural programme was organized by Regional Outreach Bureau’s Song and Drama division. There was a quiz competition also. Participants were very enthusiastic at this programme. The programme was attended by retired teachers Sri Gouri Shankar Sinha Roy, Sri Anath Bandhu Debnath, Smt. Bulti Mal, Local Panchayet Pradhan, Sri Ashoke Ash, Upapradhan of local Panchayet, Sri Sandipan Dasgupta, Field Publicity Officer, Chinsurah.
CG/CB/
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Ministry of Defence
25 Nursing Students Pass out from The College of Nursing, Army Hospital 
Lamp Lighting Ceremony of 5th batch of B.Sc Nursing students of College of Nursing held here today. The ceremony witnessed 25 budding nursing cadets adorn the uniform to begin their noble profession of nursing.
Chief Guest for the ceremony Commandant, Army Hospital  Lt Gen UK Sharma gave away the prizes to the following University level meritorious students -N/CdtParul, & N/CdtAnkita Mishra of IV Year B.Sc  for securing first and second rank respectively in class for BSc Nursing  final VIth semester examination of DU 2018. In his address, he stressed upon the fact that the students should not only enhance their knowledge, skills and competence but also learn the techniques of soft skills.
In an impressive ceremony, as per tradition, the lit lamp was relayed from ADGMNS Maj Gen AnnakuttyBabu, Principal Matron Maj Gen Kajal Chakraborty to Principal Col ArnitaDevrani who in turn passed it to the teachers. The teachers then transferred the light to the students denoting the transfer of knowledge & wisdom from one generation to the next.
AA/Nampi/Rajib
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Ministry of Culture
Special arrangements for delegates of “PravasiBhartiyaDiwas” for participating in the KumbhMela
Special arrangements have been made for the delegates of “PravasiBhartiyaDiwas” for participating in the KumbhMela at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The PravasiBharatiyaDiwas is scheduled to commence at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on 21st January. Around ten thousand participants are expected to attend the colourful convention. On 24th January, the participants would arrive in Prayagraj to be the part of ongoing largest spiritual gathering on earth, the Kumbh, where arrangements are in place for holy bathing at Sangam. From there the participants would travel to Delhi to witness the 70th Republic Day Event.
Ganga Mahotsava, an annual much awaited cultural event showcasing culture and heritage is being also organised during January 21 to 23 at Ganga Ghats by Govt. of UP. Ganga Arti at Ghat of Kashi is well known among tourists. Special area has been reserved for PBD guests to enable them to witness and enjoy various events at the venues.
The spiritual capital of India Varanasi has geared up to welcome the people from all over the world who will be flocking in to participate in “PravasiBhartiyaDiwas” scheduled to commence on January 21. This vibrant and colourful convention is meant to strengthen the engagement of the overseas Indian community with the Government of India and reconnect them with their roots. Itis 15th edition of the “PravasiBhartiyaDiwas” which is organized on an interval of two years. During the Convention, selected overseas Indians are also honored with the prestigious PravasiBharatiyaSamman Award to recognize their contributions to various fields both in India and abroad.The venue of 15th PBD Convention Varanasi or Benaras,  is one of the oldest living cities in the world.
The theme of PBD Convention 2019 is "Role of Indian Diaspora in building New India". Special arrangements have been made for delegates for their participation in ongoing KumbhMelaPrayagrajand Republic day paradeat Delhi as well.Around ten thousand participants are expected to attend the colourful convention. The venue will be Trade facilitation centre  and craft museum at BadaLalpur in Varanasi. On 24th January, the participants would arrive in Prayagrajto be the part of ongoing largest spiritual gathering on earth, The Kumbh, where arrangements are in place for holy bathing at Sangam. From there the participants would travel to Delhi to witness the 70th Republic Day Event.
Ganga Mahotsava, an annual much awaited cultural event showcasing culture and heritage is being also organised during January 21 to 23 at Ganga Ghats by Govt. of UP. Ganga Arti at Ghat of Kashi is well known among tourist. For PBD guests some space will be reserved there.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 158.04 Cr
Nearly 80 lakh Vaccine Doses administered in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently at 94.09%
2,38,018 New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
8,891 Total Omicron cases detected so far; an increase of 8.31% since yesterday
India's Active Caseload currently stands at 17,36,628
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 14.92%
With the administration of nearly 80 lakh Doses  vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 158.04 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today.
This has been achieved through 1,69,76,817 sessions. The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,03,90,491
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
97,85,938
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
19,92,671
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,83,89,252
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,70,67,978
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
16,85,446
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
3,59,30,929
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
52,70,37,267
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
37,23,42,067
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
19,78,94,832
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
16,19,28,196
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
12,32,93,789
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
10,12,96,621
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
14,06,293
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
50,84,410
|
|
Total
|
|
1,58,04,41,770
1,57,421 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 3,53,94,882.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 94.09%.
2,38,018 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
India’s Active Caseload is presently at 17,36,628. Active cases constitute 4.62% of the country's total Positive Cases.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of 16,49,143 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 70.54 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 14.92% and the Daily Positivity rate also reported to be 14.43%.
Ministry of Communications
Cabinet apprised of Joint Issue of Postage Stamps by India and South Africa
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of Joint Issue of Postage Stamps by India and South Africa on the theme “125th Year of Mahatma Gandhi’s Pietermaritzburg Station Incident & Birth Centenary of Nelson Mandela”. The MoU on the Joint Issue of Postage Stamp was signed on 24th July 2018.
India and South Africa mutually agreed to jointly issue Postage Stamps on India-South Africa: Joint Issue on the theme “125th Year of Mahatma Gandhi’s Pietermaritzburg Station Incident & Birth Centenary of Nelson Mandela”. The Joint Stamps were released on 26th July 2018.
The Commemorative Postage Stamps on the above theme depict images of “Mahatma Gandhi” of India and “Nelson Mandela” of South Africa.
Ministry of Culture
Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani to inaugurate the ten-day mega ‘Red Fort Festival - Bharat Bhagya Vidhata’ at Red Fort tomorrow
Bharat Bhagya Vidhata will commemorate heritage of the country; culture of every part of India to be depicted
The ten-day Red Fort Festival - Bharat Bhagya Vidhata, will begin tomorrow at the iconic 17th- century monument, Red Fort, New Delhi. To be held from 25th March to 3rd April, 2022, the festvcal will remain open between 11 am to 10 p.m. daily.
The festival will feature a wide range of experiences including “Matrubhumi” –Projection Mapping Show, YATRA - A 360° immersive experience, a Cultural Parade, Khao Galli, Live performances at Rang Manch, Dances of India, AnokheVastra, Khel Manch and Khel Gaon and Yoga on the Go.
Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani will inaugurate the festival tomorrow at Red Fort at 10:00 am.
This was announced by Joint Secretary, M/o Culture, Smt Uma Nanduri at a media briefing today in New Delhi. Ms. Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism;Mr. Ajay Yadav, Director, M/o Culture for Archaeological Survey of India were also present on the occasion along with CEO Dalmia group, Shri Anand Bhardwaj.
Smt. Nanduri also said that Bharat Bhagya Vidhata is being organised as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav by Ministry of Culture. Giving more details, she said that the Red Fort festival is to commemorate the heritage of the country and culture of every part of India will be depicted under Bharat Bhagya Vidhata.
Ms. Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism said that through the Adopt a Heritage initiative of the Government, the Red Fort has been revived to its old glory. She further said that Bharat Bhagya Vidhata will help everyone to appreciate the diversity of India. She highlighted the fact that with tourism reviving across the world, it is going to be an important event and send positive signals attract tourists to India.
The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, along with Red Fort’s “Monument Mitra”, Dalmia Bharat Ltd. have conceptualized the mega event as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Red Fort Festival - Bharat Bhagya Vidhata promises a rich cultural treat to visitors and aims to promote heritage conservation and tourism.
Click here for more details